Congratulations, Cadet

The Sarasota Military Academy sends congratulations to Whitney Stewart, a 2015 SMA alumna. Stewart was awarded the National Youth of the Year award from the Boys & Girls Club of America.  

She began attending Pennsylvania State University this semester and received over $100,000 in scholarships, a new Toyota, a Disney trip, an interview on Good Morning America, and a visit to the White House as part of the award.  Stewart was at the top of her 2015 class and served as SMA Cadet Colonel and Cadet Regimental Commander.

Building momentum 

Architect Barron Schimberg, founder of The Schimberg Group, is a nominee in HGTV.com's Fresh Faces of Design Awards in the Great First Impressions category for a property on Siesta Key on Freeling Drive. 

Schimberg’s entry is island-inspired beach home with deep balconies, horizontal siding, rich wood soffits, decorative wood brackets and Bahamas shutters. 

“I got an email from HGTV and it said we would like you to submit for this competition that we have,” Shimberg. “The whole time I was thinking ‘Is this for real?’ But it was legitimate. They liked that particular house and that representation of that category.” 

Barron is in competition with eleven other architects/designers from around the United States. A panel of judges, including HGTV executives and award-winning designers, will select the winner. Viewers can also vote online for their favorites until Friday, Oct. 30 at 5 p.m. at hgtv.com/design/fresh-faces-of-design.

Representing Sarasota

Riverview High School sophomore Elaina McKenna competed for the title of Miss Florida Teen USA 2016 last weekend. The 15-year-old is the current Miss Suncoast Teen USA 2016. Although she didn’t walk away with the crown and title McKenna still enjoyed the opportunity to compete. Jara Courson was crowned Miss Florida Teen USA 2016.